CBS Sports Names Two SEC Coaches "Under The Most Pressure In 2026"

In a recent CBS Sports article, college football writer Brad Crawford named ten coaches who are "Under The Most Pressure In 2026.

Two of the names that Crawford mentioned were South Carolina's Shane Beamer and Alabama's Kalen DeBoer.

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3. Shane Beamer, South Carolina
Buyout after 2026 season: $19 million (estimated)

Last January, South Carolina awarded Shane Beamer a contract extension through 2030, but the Gamecocks regressed to a 4-8 in 2025 -- the program's worst record since 2020.

After narrowly missing the College Football Playoff in 2024, South Carolina struggled offensively, prompting multiple assistant coach changes and placing Beamer squarely on the hot seat entering 2026. He has all but guaranteed a CFP appearance in 2026, and with the program retaining LaNorris Sellers and Dylan Stewart, expectations are elevated.

If that prediction falls short, athletic director Jeremiah Donati may face a significant decision.

8. Kalen DeBoer, Alabama
Buyout after 2026 season: $50 million (estimated)

Alabama players love Kalen DeBoer. The administration wants greater buy-in. Fans remain divided. Next season will be pivotal for the Tide's third-year coach, who has yet to generate the momentum many anticipated after succeeding one of the sport's all-time greats. Nick Saban lost eight games combined over his final five seasons in Tuscaloosa -- the same total DeBoer has accumulated in two years. Lopsided losses to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game and to Indiana in the CFP at the Rose Bowl served as measuring-stick moments, and the Crimson Tide fell short in both. DeBoer's finesse-oriented offense thrived at previous stops, but Alabama's identity has long been rooted in physicality. How the Crimson Tide perform at the line of scrimmage and in the run game next season will significantly influence the national perception of his tenure.

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Other coaches on the hot seat, according to Crawford:

Florida State's Mike Norvell
Wisconsin's Luke Fickell
Boston College's Bill O'Brien
Maryland's Mike Locksley
Baylor's Dave Aranda
Clemson's Dabo Swinney
North Carolina's Bill Belichick
Colorado's Deion Sanders